Amira 150 and Amira 300 (Moclobemide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Amira 150 and Amira 300 Used For?
Amira 150 and Amira 300 contain moclobemide, an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A. These medications work on your central nervous system to treat depression.
Primary Uses
Amira is primarily used to treat depression. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other purposes not listed here.
How It Works
Antidepressants like Amira are thought to work by affecting brain chemicals called amines, which are involved in controlling your mood.
Good to know: This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription and should not be given to children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
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How to Take Amira 150 and Amira 300
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and continue taking Amira until your doctor tells you to stop. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water after meals.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is between 300 mg and 600 mg per day, taken twice daily after meals – once in the morning and once in the evening at the end of your meal. Most antidepressants take time to work, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better right away. Some symptoms may improve in 1-2 weeks, but it can take up to 4-6 weeks to feel real improvement. Even when you feel well, you'll usually need to take Amira for several months or longer.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you're meant to. If you remember at another time, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Don't stop taking Amira or lower the dose without checking with your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Disturbed sleep/insomnia
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Feeling of confusion
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Paraesthesia
- Constipation
- Feeling of fullness
- Upset stomach
- Blurred vision
- Skin rash
- Flushing
- Low blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Thoughts or talk of death or suicide
- Thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
- Any recent attempts of self-harm
- Increase in aggressive behavior, irritability or agitation
- Worsening of depression
- Insomnia, nervousness, jittering
- Mania or hypomania
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and conditions you need to discuss with your doctor before taking Amira.
Who Should Not Take Amira 150 and Amira 300
Do not take Amira if you: are allergic to moclobemide or any ingredients; have severe confusion; are taking clomipramine, selegiline, bupropion, triptans, pethidine, tramadol, dextromethorphan, linezolid, or other antidepressants (SSRIs or tricyclics) as this may cause serotonin syndrome; or if the medicine is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, high blood pressure, personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mental illness other than depression (including schizophrenia, agitation, excitement), thyrotoxicosis, phaeochromocytoma, or rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Amira during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Suicide Risk: Depression symptoms may include thoughts of suicide or self-harm, which may continue or worsen during the first 1-2 months of treatment. This is more likely in young adults under 24 years of age. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts.
Drug Interactions
Many medicines can interfere with Amira and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.
Blood Pressure: Moclobemide may cause an additional drop in blood pressure if you're taking metoprolol.
- Cimetidine
- Dextromethorphan (in cough and cold medicines)
- Pethidine
- Selegiline
- Bupropion
- Triptans
- Tramadol
- Linezolid
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Serotonin agonists (buspirone, sumatriptan)
- St. John's Wort
- Opiates (morphine, fentanyl, codeine)
- Adrenergics
- Sibutramine
- Other antidepressants (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, trimipramine, maprotiline, venlafaxine, clomipramine, citalopram)
- Metoprolol
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Amira, as it can affect your alertness and coordination.
Alcohol
Although drinking alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to Amira, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated for depression.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Amira affects you. Amira causes dizziness in some people, especially at first.
Storage
Keep Amira in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Store in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground. Keep tablets in the blister pack until it's time to take them, as they may not keep well if removed early. Store away from moisture, heat, or sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you've taken too much Amira, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Signs of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, reduced reflexes, and agitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of your symptoms may improve in 1-2 weeks, but it can take up to 4-6 weeks to feel any real improvement. Don't be discouraged if you don't feel better right away, as most antidepressants take time to work.
Yes, Amira should be taken after meals. Take the tablets twice daily – morning and evening – at the end of your meals with a glass of water.
Do not stop taking Amira or lower the dose without first checking with your doctor. Even when you feel well, you'll usually need to take Amira for several months or longer to ensure the benefits last.
Although drinking alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to Amira, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you're being treated for depression. Always discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you're meant to. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
The medication information doesn't specify special considerations for elderly patients, but you should always discuss your medical conditions and other medications with your doctor before starting Amira.
Yes, remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you're taking Amira, as it can interact with many other medications and treatments.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.